Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as "good" fats, are essential for your survival. They offer a variety of benefits, including maintenance of your brain, eyes, hair, skin and bones. Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to help with health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis. Consult your physician before adding dietary supplements for treatment of health issues.
Inflammation
Inflammation can be hazardous to your health, contributing to problems such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, obesity or rheumatoid arthritis. To reduce inflammation, doctors can prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs; however, medical researchers recognize that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective supplement or possible alternative to drugs. Website Arthritis Today explains that omega-3 fatty acids convert to substances that are 10,000 more potent than the original substance. These new compounds include resolvins, which help to halt inflammation. After omega-3 fatty acids convert, they may be able to help with arthritis by aiding in the suppression of inflammation.
Research
In 1998, "Seminars in Arthritis Rheumatism" published a study that discussed omega-3 fatty acids and rheumatoid arthritis, explaining that omega-3 fatty acids are affiliated with improving rheumatoid arthritis. In 2007, "Pain" published an analysis of conclusions from a series of studies involving omega-3 fatty acids, which were administered to volunteers suffering from different health issues, including joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as inflammatory bowel disease and dysmenorrhea. It was noted during the experiments that joint pains and the desire for medications, to treat the health issues, both decreased. Results concluded that "omega-3 PUFAs--polyunsaturated fatty acids--are an attractive adjunctive treatment for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dysmenorrhea."
Sources
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, almonds and hazelnuts, as well as in flaxseed oil, canola oil and soybeans. Fish--particularly cold-water fish, such as tuna, herring, mackerel and salmon--are exceptionally rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil, which is available in soft gel capsules, gives generous amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
Dosage
People and conditions vary, so you should talk with your doctor to determine a proper daily dosage of omega-3 fatty acids. In a 2004 article, "American Family Physician" made a recommendation of omega-3 dosage for rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain of at least 3 g a day. Take into consideration that omega-3 supplements are not a painkiller; but long-term commitment can prove beneficial and may ease symptoms of joint tenderness over time.
References
- Arthritis Today: Fatty Acid Benefits: How Omega-3s Reduce Inflammation; Linda Richards
- "Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview; Rafael Ariza-Ariza, Marilu Mestanza-Peralta and Mario Cardiel; June 1998
- "Pain"; A Meta-Analysis of the Analgesic Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation for Inflammatory Joint Pain; Robert Goldberg and Joel Katz; 2007
- Omega 3 Fish Oil: Foods Containing Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- "American Family Physician"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Maggie B. Covington; July 1, 2004
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